Bile duct obstruction: General information on symptoms and causes

Posted on- Aug 27, 2015

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A bile duct obstruction is a blockage of the bile ducts. The bile ducts carry bile from the liver and gallbladder through the pancreas to the small intestine. Bile is a dark-green or yellowish-brown fluid secreted by the liver to digest fats. Much of the bile is released directly into the small intestine, but what remains is stored in the gallbladder. After you eat, the gallbladder releases bile to help in digestion and fat absorption. Bile also helps rid the liver of waste products.

Any kind of obstruction of any of these ducts is referred to as a bile duct obstruction. They are quite common too. Many of the&nbspconditions related to bile duct obstructions&nbspcan be treated successfully. However, if the blockage remains untreated for a long period of time, it can lead to life-threatening diseases of the liver.

Causes of bile duct obstruction

A&nbspbile duct obstruction&nbspmay be caused by a number of factors involving the bile ducts, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and the small intestine. The following are some of the most common causes: